Transducer install location, not factory, 1999 FD170

lbc970

I am trying to mount a transducer on a 99 FD170 OB, and all the instruction from Humminbird are for places on the transom that are not ideal. Within 18" inches away from the OB lower unit, not behind a lifting strake, in a place where it's always in the water, not directly in front of prop, etc. Can anyone offer any advice? I will post a picture of my transom in a few. Thanks for the help!

lbc970

imgur.com/a/hgHETHw
Since the image attachment isn't working.

cjjjdeck

See your picture below:

cjjjdeck

I installed a Lowrance HDS 7 unit with Structure Scan.  I tried to find a picture of my transom area showing where it was installed, but no luck..... I'll have to make a note to myself to take one someday soon.

Below is the guide I and my dealer used to install the transducer for my boat.  I have been very happy with the performance the transducer gives at trolling and planing speeds.  Often the location is a compromise due to other systems mounted on the transom of the boat (like livewell pickup, speedometer pitot tube, drains etc,).


Here's a picture of your transom area and the potential areas you can mount the transducer.  Look on the bottom of your boat to avoid mounting the unit directly behind the lifting strakes molded into the hull as these structures can cause turbulence in the back of the boat.  Unit must be mounted parallel to the water surface.  About 50% of the unit should be located below the hull.



If you are leery about making holes in your transom, there is a product I really like and had wished I used on the market for mounting transducers without drilling holes in the transom.  It's called "STERN SAVER–Stern Saver Transducer Mounting Block".  Its a kit and comes with everything you need to position the block on your transom (made of King Starboard, one of my favorite marine products).  Just search the product, its sold by a lot of suppliers, including Amazon.  You can also attach your own piece of Starboard using 3M 5200 Marine adhesive.



One more item I want to mention.  It's a YouTube video I have taken a liking to that shows a boat dealer installing a transducer and he shares some really good installation tips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oRbgGTv0M

Hope this helps a bit.  Maybe others can share their experience with transducers as well.